Astros Expect Bigger Crowds At Field

Osceola Forecast 1999

Home Games Feature High-profile Clubs

January 24, 1999|By Chris Cobbs of The Sentinel Staff

KISSIMMEE - Pitcher Randy Johnson, the ``Big Unit,'' won't be here, but the Houston Astros still have enough big names from a team that won a club-record 102 games last year to generate improved attendance at spring training.

That's the prediction of Osceola County Stadium director Don Miers for the 1999 spring season.

``We are looking for a great spring,'' Miers said. ``Baseball is on the upswing with the fans, and we've got a schedule that features the Yankees, Braves, Dodgers and Mets.''

Attendance last year dropped to an average of 2,950 for 13 games at the 5,132-seat complex - a record low since the National League club moved its spring-training centers to Kissimmee in 1985.

A big factor was the weather, which included a killer Feb. 23 tornado, along with high winds, low temperatures and rain.

Another reason for the smaller crowds was the nearby presence of the Atlanta Braves, the so-called ``Team of the '90s,'' in a new stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.

But Miers said he expects attendance to bounce back this spring, thanks to the presence of proven talent such as Craig Biggio, Moises Alou and Jeff Bagwell.

They've led the Astros to consecutive National League Central titles.

Also returning to the Astros after a 4-year stint in San Diego is third baseman Ken Caminiti, the National League's MVP in 1996.

Caminiti hit 29 home runs for the Padres last year.

The Astros had hoped to re-sign towering left-hander Johnson, a dominant pitcher in the second half of last year, when the team wound up winning 102 games.

Even without Johnson, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Astros think an appealing home schedule will boost 1999 spring attendance, Miers said.

Houston owner Drayton McLane earlier in the fall extended the contracts of general manager Gerry Hunsicker and manager Larry Dierker through 2000.

Tickets for the spring training games will be available by mail, phone, and at the stadium box office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Ticket prices will be $12 for box seats and $10 for reserved seats.

General admission tickets are sold on the day of the game only and cost $7.